North
Country
Live

Home of the
VISIONFEST
International Film Festival
& Screenwriting Competition
September 18-20, 2026
at The Strand in Watertown, NY
and the successfully held
Frostbite Rocknite
December 20, 2025
and
North Country Comedy Festival
October 23-25, 2025

North Country Live

North Country Live (“NCL”) is the organizer and curator of live community events based in Sackets Harbor, New York. Spearheaded by its Executive Director, Mike Ricca, in association with the Domani Vision Film Society/AWEdacity Media Group, NCL strives to deliver cultural, artistic, and special niche entertainment events throughout the year to boost local commerce - generating increased traffic for area hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and hospitality vendors. These initiatives position Sackets Harbor as a cultural destination, contributing to seasonal tourism while reinforcing its reputation as a hub for the arts and creative innovation.NCL is a partnership of two lifelong friends from Brooklyn, Mike Ricca and Bruno Derlin, who have worked together for 25 years on live events like film and comedy festivals, content creation, TV commercials and podcasts. Their latest endeavor, the North Country Comedy Festival, was produced in less than 100 days and was attended by over 500 people.With the North Country Comedy Festival already under its belt with an incredibly successful run from October 23 to 25, 2025, at the Sackets Harbor Ballroom, and the North Country Film Festival in the works for Summer 2026 dates to be announced, NCL has already set forth its mission to make these North Country events household names through strategic partnerships, vendor booths, and sponsorships, creating new opportunities for local businesses and artisans to engage with visitors, ensuring that the positive impact extends beyond the dates of the events.

Film Festival

Frostbite Rocknite

Comedy Festival

The VISIONFEST International Film Festival & Screenwriting Competition is an exciting annual in-person film screenings event held September 18-20, 2026 at the legendary venue, The Strand,in Watertown NY. Curated and produced by North Country Live and the Domani Vision Film Society—the creative force behind fifteen years of Visionfest: The Other Festival in NYC and the long-running Visionfest Screenwriting Competition, now in its 26th year—this three-night celebration of international independent cinema focuses on innovative short films from the entire world.Over the course of two evenings and one full day, festivalgoers will experience a diverse and expertly curated selection of independent short subject films. On the third day, the festival will conclude with a festive awards ceremony and after-party gala, celebrating the creativity, craft, and contributions of its participating artists.The mission of this festival is to promote and showcase exceptional international short films and screenplays while cultivating a deeper community appreciation for independent cinema. The festival strives to create a competitive yet warm and celebratory forum that champions artistic vision and fosters connection between storytellers and audiences.Backed by an organizing team of seasoned filmmakers, screenwriters, and curators, VISIONFEST offers a passion-driven platform that reflects the authenticity, insight, and dedication of its creators.

Watch VF26 Sizzle Promo

Frostbite Rocknite

On December 20, 2025, two North Country bands that each have their own individual brand of hard rock brought a perfect level of energy to the Historic Sackets Harbor Ballroom. Co-headlining for an unforgettable experience: Chasing Skyward Lights and Undefeated. Kasidee and Bill, performed cover songs spanning over six decades of popular music during the pre-show.

North Country Comedy Festival

Three of the best live stand up comics of their generation ushered in the First Annual North Country Comedy Festival, Oct 23, 24, 25 at the Sackets Harbor Ballroom with outstanding results.Each night, these 30-year veteran comics from The Comedy Store in Hollywood and the The Comic Strip Live in NYC delivered shows with the power of an arena event in an intimate night club setting.Audiences came and loved the acts, vowing to return future North Country Live events, and gifting the festival with multiplel "standing room only" performancesGoodfellos Restaurant was an official sponsor and ticket location with NBC Watertown and Tunes 92.5 pitching in as official media sponsors.North Country Live expresses its gratitude to the comics who participated; to everyone who helped in making the event the staggering success that it was; and to the entire Sackets Harbor community, who supported this unforgettable maiden adventure.From left to right: Mark Riccadonna, Ashley Gutermuth, and Steve Simeone (click on images for more)

Watch Video Recap

Left to Right: Bruno Derlin, Steve Simeone, Ashley Gutermuth, Mike Ricca, Mark RiccadonnaThe five came together to produce the North Country Comedy Festival, which was achieved in just under 100 days, running for three nights, and attended by over 500 people.Check out the gallery below for some highlights from the three nights: